Alternatively, we synergize the oracle with the temple, generating an ever-increasing stream of pilgrimage to both as the divine marriage spreads through other means like trade, immigrants to colonies, and the eventual stadium/league games.
Because at the core, I don't get why the people voting for this would prefer it, because It's a difference of preferences, so I'm flailing wildly.
We aren't sending immigrants to Kymai nor the new colonies, the only window into the Divine Marriage over there are Pharos and Issa which we're agreeing to colonize less and give away the land of to make the new additions stronger. Also, they have substantial population from Lykai that waters down the Divine Marriage. The stadium will almost certainly have to wait until we get the sewers done, as well, given how that vastly outweighed the stadium option in the vote, and who knows how tempting the next tier of Great Works from the Drakonid or Exorian factions will be.
All true. All reasons why conversion will be slower. Still no reason to rush and sacrifice what is still ultimatly the better long term option.
I too want a strong, decentralized league. That's why being the cultural center of that league is so vital to me. If we don't intend to exercise economic and military dominion over our allies, then once they become our equals, our status as the cultural center of the league is the only thing we have left to influence it.
We're separated from them by a formidable sea, and we don't culturally have that much in common. Living apart in this era tends to only magnify differences unless there's specific action to work against that, so I would much rather that we mend this while it's possible and we're still coasting on their goodwill rather than trying to convert cities of hundreds or thousands by jumping on the occasional elite seeking guide from an oracle. Furthermore, I am plenty fine having the Oracle accessible but at arm's length to not constantly meddle in the affairs of our city but still give flavor once in a while.
"loyal" "cornerstones" 
I dont get the joke. Do you think the metics are not loyal? Do you think our strength derives from something other than our explosive growth and large population of metics driving our finances?
of our polis.
SKANTARIOS: Fair Arkadios, you do rightly note that we have been very generous to friend and foe alike, but past actions need not dictate present ones, and indeed, here past actions obviate the need for present ones. Those of Kymai do know, through our generous actions, that we are a city who knows and cares for its children, as any good father should, and that we care to share the fruits of the harvest even with those who perhaps may not have the best right to them. Knowing this, they are rendered content, and sending the oracle to them is both superfluous and unnecessary.
If the Kymians cannot content themselves with all that we have presently done for them, than it is unclear why affording them the oracle will change matters at all. Thus, we may in good conscience present to the oracle a home in Fair Eretria knowing that we have dealt fairly with the Kymians, and that any umbrage they might incur is a fault in their character and not in ours.
